About Encouragement for Today

Proverbs 31 Ministries is a non-denominational, non-profit Christian ministry that seeks to lead women into a personal relationship with Christ. With Proverbs 31:10-31 as a guide, Proverbs 31 Ministries reaches women right in the middle of their busy day through free daily devotions, radio program, speaking events, conferences, monthly magazine, resources, online communities, and Gather and Grow groups. We are real women offering real-life solutions to women who are striving to maintain life’s balance, in spite of today’s hectic pace and cultural pull away from godly principles. Wherever a woman may be on her spiritual journey, Proverbs 31 Ministries exists to be a trusted friend who takes her by the hand and walks by her side, leading her one step closer to the heart of God.

Encouragement for Today - February 1, 2006

Philippians 3:12, “I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But Iam well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me.” (MSG)

Devotion:

I have to admit that I am an addict. Some days I spend hours surfing the World Wide Web. I am convinced, though, that my addiction isn’t a bad thing. The time I spend online is well spent. My constant typing results in growing knowledge as I find fascinating facts, investigate incredible information, and contemplate my consuming correspondence. I like having so many interesting details at my fingertips. Research has taken on a life of its own for me. Often one topic will bring questions to mind. Then I go off searching the meaning of this word, or the date of that event, or the history behind a specific quote. While reading the electronic news, I’ll hear a little click and immediately check my e-mail. When I notice that a friend is online, I instant message her and we may chat for minutes. I like the Internet. I have to admit it – I probably like it too much.

I remember my first Internet instruction. The computer guru launched into a lengthy lecture about the World Wide Web, HTML, URL, forward and backward slashes, dot coms and dot orgs – so many details that I have forgotten them. The second lecture included a hands-on lab where we were shown how to enter a subject and begin our search for more information than I could ever digest. But it wasn’t long before I took every question to the World Wide Web. I used this new tool as a dictionary, historical reference, medical guide, fashion update,

Recently I noticed that irritation and anxiety battled within as I sat in front of my computer. Regardless of the depth of my exploration, I wasn’t satisfied. The longer I searched, the more evasive my subject matter became. Frustrated, I stepped outside to take a walk.

Before returning home, a realization struck. It dawned on me that there is another address I should be typing into more often than the World Wide Web. Oh, I can still type WWW, but I would be better off going to the Wise Winner’s Way.

The wisest people know to seek God’s wisdom. King Solomon wrote, “Make your ear attentive to wisdom… If you seek her… and search…; then you will discern the fear of the Lord, and discover the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” (Proverbs 2:2-6, NASB)

Where do I go for wisdom? I bury my heart in God’s Word, searching and reading everything Scripture says about becoming a wise woman. The Bible gives clear and easy-to-follow instructions:

“He who trusts in riches will fall.” (Proverbs 11:28, NASB)

“A gracious woman attains honor…” Proverbs (11:16, NASB)

“A soothing tongue is a tree of life.” (Proverbs 15:4, NASB)

These are not difficult to understand. Don’t depend on my money. Act in a dignified manner. Be a kind comforter to all.

Is it possible to live by these standards? Can I really be a winner in this arena? Absolutely! God believes I can, encouraging me and all who follow Him to overcome the world and be victorious (1 John 5:4). He says that at the end of the race there is a prize for which we should strive (Philippians 3:8-14).

How do I know what way to take to achieve this goal? Jesus says that He is the Way. What does He mean by that? Knowledge is good, but feeding the poor is better. Being informed is important, but soothing a broken heart has the potential of changing a life for eternity. Having the facts and understanding figures is commendable, but standing up for the truth gains God’s favor.

Stepping away from the World Wide Web refreshed my perspective. Although I need to be knowledgeable and informed, focusing on the Wise Winner’s Way

is by far a more fulfilling endeavor.

My Prayer for Today:

Father, Surround me with Your wisdom. I am tempted to engross myself in the ways of the world. Yet my experience tells me Your ways are higher. Keep reminding me that the world is fleeting and You are everlasting. I ask these things in the Name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, Amen.

Application Steps:

Make a note to check your activities. If you find yourself out of balance, ask God to help you find a better way to schedule your life.

Reflection Points:

Am I spending too much time in areas of my life that seem to be productive, but in reality, they are simply time consumers?

Am I honoring God and growing more faithful by searching His will for my life?

Have I searched for God first, believing that all things will be added to my life in His perfect time?

Power Verses:

Matthew 6:33, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (ESV)

1 Corinthians 9:24, “Remember that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize. You also must run in such a way that you will win.” (NLT)

John 10:1, "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber.” (ESV)

Colossians 2:8, “Watch out for people who try to dazzle you with big words and intellectual double-talk. They want to drag you off into endless arguments that never amount to anything. They spread their ideas through the empty traditions of human beings and the empty superstitions of spirit beings. But that's not the way of Christ.” (MSG)

I Corinthians 12:31, “But eagerly desire the greater gifts. And now I will show you the most excellent way.” (NIV)

Additional Resources:

A Woman’s Secret to a Balance Life, by Lysa TerKeurst and Sharon Jaynes

About Encouragement for Today

Proverbs 31 Ministries is a non-denominational, non-profit Christian ministry that seeks to lead women into a personal relationship with Christ. With Proverbs 31:10-31 as a guide, Proverbs 31 Ministries reaches women right in the middle of their busy day through free daily devotions, radio program, speaking events, conferences, monthly magazine, resources, online communities, and Gather and Grow groups. We are real women offering real-life solutions to women who are striving to maintain life’s balance, in spite of today’s hectic pace and cultural pull away from godly principles. Wherever a woman may be on her spiritual journey, Proverbs 31 Ministries exists to be a trusted friend who takes her by the hand and walks by her side, leading her one step closer to the heart of God.